How Smac Studio doubled in size without doubling in chaos

Smac Studio Interior Architecture is a Sydney-based multidisciplinary practice working across spatial planning, interior design, and furnishing. As the studio expanded from three to six people, it required a stronger operational foundation to manage increasingly complex projects while maintaining its creative integrity.

Before Programa, Smac managed projects through Excel and email. Information lived across multiple files, approvals were hard to trace, and procurement felt too complex to manage in-house. With hourly billing and a growing team, the lack of structured tracking created uncertainty around both time and profitability.

Smac now runs every aspect of its workflow through Programa. Project templates keep schedules consistent. Client dashboards allow 24/7 visibility, so clients can review and approve specifications directly. Procurement data - including RRP, trade price, and markup - auto-calculates margins and generates purchase orders. Time tracking links to each project phase, producing accurate profitability insights.

Smac’s projects now close cleanly, with every decision documented and approved. Clients stay informed throughout, reducing email back-and-forth and eliminating surprises. Procurement operates as a new revenue stream. New designers onboard quickly using the same templates as senior staff. With clear systems in place, Smac has built what Principal Shona McElroy describes as a “full business operation” that supports both creative and commercial growth.